Holidays and events

Anzac Day

Anzac Day

This is the story of Anzac Day, the ceremony marked on 25 April, the start of the Gallipoli conflict in the First World War. For New Zealanders it remains a solemn day, rich in tradition and ritual. more...

Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day

Explore the origins of New Zealand's national day. Journey back to 1932 when the Treaty House and grounds were handed to the nation. more...

Labour Day

Labour Day

Labour Day is no ordinary holiday. It celebrates the struggle for an eight-hour working day, a right that New Zealand workers had been among the first in the world to claim. more...

Royal Visit of 1953-54

Royal Visit of 1953-54

Young Queen Elizabeth dazzled New Zealanders when she first visited in 1953. Explore the tour through photos, film, a detailed itinerary and excerpts from radio broadcasts. more...

The 1940 Centennial

The 1940 Centennial

The centennial celebrations of 1940 marked a century of European effort and progress. Maori history and the centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took a back seat. more...

Dominion status

Dominion status

On 26 September 1907 the colony of New Zealand ceased to exist. It became, instead, a dominion within the British Empire. For a few years, some New Zealanders celebrated Dominion Day with parades and public events. more...

Empire Day

Empire Day

Now almost forgotten, Empire Day was marked with parades, flag salutes and stirring speeches. Established in 1903, the day commemorated the long reign of Queen Victoria. more...

Christmas in New Zealand

Christmas in New Zealand

A series of short articles about the meaning of Christmas for New Zealanders more...